Video Tour - 1412 Brair Meadow, Keller

Video Tour - 1412 Briar Meadow, Keller

Just Listed by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

Beautiful renovation by TK Homes, LLC

Meticulous renovation by TK Homes, LLC located in the prime location of Keller on a heavily treed lot. Completely updated with new interior and exterior paint, new laminate wood flooring, new carpet, fixtures. Enjoy the updated kitchen featuring ample granite countertops, stainless appliances, and plenty of cabinets for storage. One story, 3-bedroom home with study that could also be used as a fourth bedroom. Oversized two car rear entry garage. 

Contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams today for additional information -

(817) 337-0000 or email info@groveteam.com

The 10 'never-break' rules of good credit

The 10 'never-break' rules of good credit

Some rules are meant to be broken - like the one about not wearing white after Labor Day. Others should remain sacrosanct, such as the rules of good credit. Those are the kind of rules that can make life easier and happier when you follow them - and help ensure your finances stay in good order, too.

Unlike fashion rules, the rules of good credit are really not subject to interpretation or personal opinion. They derive from the formulae that credit bureaus and lenders use to calculate your credit score.

So what are the 10 unbreakable rules of good credit? Here they are in descending order, a la David Letterman:

10. Create a budget and stick to it. Your budget should cover everyday expenses and allow for the smart use of credit.

9. Use credit cards wisely. Smart use of revolving credit - not carrying a balance, paying the full balance immediately - is an important component of a healthy credit score. Unwise use, such as running up debt, can lower your score. And in that vein ...

8. Always pay more than the minimum balance on your credit cards. Ideally, you would pay off the entire balance right away, but if that's not possible, pay more than the minimum - as much as you can afford. Paying only the minimum balance means it will take years - and thousands in interest charges - to pay off your debt.

7. When applying for a loan - which includes applying for new credit cards - do so wisely. Comparison shop and make your applications (if you'll be making more than one) in a short amount of time, so that those credit inquiries will only count against your credit score once. Stretching applications over time, or making too many in a short amount of time, can negatively impact your credit score.

6. Your credit utilization ratio - the amount you owe compared to the amount of credit you have available - is a key factor in determining your credit score. Avoid maxing out your credit - including credit cards or home equity lines of credit. At any given time, try to keep three quarters to two thirds of your total available credit free for use.

5. Don't immediately close a credit card account just because it's paid off. Doing so can skew your credit utilization ratio. Before you close an account, be sure you understand what impact - if any - the action will have on your credit score.

4. Practice identity theft protection measures. From shredding sensitive paper documents before trashing them, to keeping your PC's virus protection software up to date, it's important to take steps to protect your credit from identity theft and fraud.

3. If you're in financial trouble, don't practice avoidance. If you can't pay your bills, contact your creditors to work out a payment plan, but know that not making minimum payments may negatively impact your credit score. Being proactive may not solve your financial woes but it can help minimize the negative impact on your credit.

2. Keep an eye on your credit score. Maybe you're in the habit of reviewing your credit report once a year, or only check it when you're planning to apply for a loan, but it's important to stay on top of your credit score all the time. Fortunately, the Internet has made it easy to monitor your credit report and score. Enrolling in membership of a product like freecreditscore.com can help you understand your credit. With enrollment, you get credit score alerts, identity protection alerts and fraud resolution support if you find an error on your credit report.

And, the No. 1 rule of good credit:

1. Pay your bills on time. A consistent, long-term history of timely bill paying goes a long way toward a healthy credit score. In fact, a solid payment history can pull up your score even if there are other negatives on your credit report, such as a high ratio of credit used to credit available. Not paying your bills on time - or at all - is a surefire recipe for bad cred. (BPT)

Video Tour - 1511 Cat Mountain Trail, Keller

Video Tour - 1511 Cat Mountain Trail, Keller

Gorgeous renovation by TK Homes, LLC - completely updated interior & exterior paint, new laminate wood floors, new carpet. Stunning updates to the kitchen & baths that include new fixtures, granite and appliances. Four bedrooms and study offer a functional floorplan in the prime location of Keller.

For more information or to schedule time to visit this lovely home, contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams - (817) 337-0000 or email us at info@groveteam.com.

Surprising, affordable upgrades can give your home a whole new look

Surprising, affordable upgrades can give your home a whole new look

Sure, kitchen and bath renovations get all the glamour and credit for offering high returns on your investment when it's time to sell your home. But a host of other, often-overlooked improvements can also offer great ROI - while completely changing the look of your home at a fraction of the cost of bigger projects.


"Improvements like upgrading your home's stair case can give a home a fresh look quickly and affordably," says Dale L. Reutter, president, WM Coffman, which has been making and distributing stair products for more than 130 years. "These upgrades can offer impressive ROI, and also enhance the enjoyment and usability of your home."

If you're looking for home improvements that will pay off in the long-term, plus give your home a fresh look now, consider these high-impact, lower-cost upgrades:

* Change the front door. The door to your home is not only a key element of its exterior look, the door can set expectations for what guests will see inside your home as well. A new front door makes a statement for both the inside and outside of your home. When you sell your home, that new front door can return as much as 73 percent of the initial cost for steel doors and nearly 54 percent for fiberglass doors, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.

* Layer and upgrade lighting in key rooms such as living rooms and family rooms. Replacing outdated lights can create a fresh, appealing atmosphere in a room. But don't stop at overhead fixtures. Layer your lighting by adding new floor lamps and table lamps. A variety of lighting sources and types allows you to change moods in a room with the flip of a few switches.

* Repaint ceilings and baseboards. While you may be aware of the benefits of painting walls, many homeowners overlook the value of painting ceilings and baseboards. Repainting a ceiling - even if it's plain white - dramatically brightens a room. The same is true for painting trim; the freshness of updated trim can draw the whole room together. So the next time you paint a room, be sure to do ceilings and trim as well.

While these upgrades can help you cost-effectively change your decor, when you're looking for high impact, flexibility and affordability, updating your stairway is one of the best investments you can make. Many modern floor plans place the stairway front and center, making it the first design element guests see when they enter. Yet when it comes time to renovate, many people overlook the design potential of this functional element in their home.

(BPT)

Simple home fix-ups you can complete in a weekend or less

Simple home fix-ups you can complete in a weekend or less




While you may not know the term "nowism," you more than likely live it. With our fast-paced lives, this term, coined by www.trendwatching.com, a leading trendscouting website, describes the trend of the consumer's need for instant gratification. We want fast service, fast answers and fast results.

And, of course, this need for fast fixes extends into our homes. Luckily, no matter how pressed you are for time, you can spruce up your house by focusing on simple projects that can be completed quickly ... in a day or a weekend. Don't delay - check these easy and affordable projects off your to-do list today and soon your home will be perfectly prepared and instantly updated.

Fancy fixtures

As the workhorse of the kitchen, we have dozens of daily interactions at the sink. So, give your kitchen a functionality facelift by upgrading your faucet.  Next, tie the finish of your new faucet throughout your room by updating the hinges, knobs and pulls on your cabinets for an uncomplicated and inexpensive way to add new dimension to your kitchen space.

Restore beauty in the bath

In a recent Gallup Poll, 80 percent of workers said they feel stress on the job, making it important to make your home - and specifically your bathroom - a relaxing retreat. Swap your old, boring showerhead with a new rainshower to create a serene sanctuary within minutes.  You can upgrade your bathroom in no time.

Another fast fix for the bathroom is to simply get organized ... and stay that way.  Keep your hand towels tidy, incorporate baskets for storage, maximize your space with unique storage ideas. 

Refurbish the living room

As one of the gathering areas for your family or guests, the living room can get dirty quickly - especially the carpet. Footprints, pet odors or food and beverage spills could be detracting from the enjoyment of the room, so take a few hours to take back your carpet. Many grocers rent steam cleaners for as little as $25 per day, making them an ideal solution to bring new life to your living space.

Living room lighting can also have a big impact on your room's decor and ambiance. Brighten your atmosphere - and your mood - by replacing your current incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency LED lamps. These energy-efficient bulbs will have your home shining brightly all season long, while also saving on your electric bills.

Clean ceiling fans

The most neglected fixture in your home might be hanging right above your head - the ceiling fan. Luckily, by flipping a switch, you can improve the effectiveness of this overhead oversight.- Start with dusting the fan blades and housing, and then simply reverse the fan's usual summer rotation to a clockwise spin to push down warm air from the ceiling. This is easily done with a switch located on the side of the fan's motor.

Don't think that fix-ups can't fit into your fast-paced life. By following these helpful hints, you can quickly and easily renew your home now and make it an inviting retreat throughout the year. (BPT)

Video Tour - 4333 Silverwood Trail, Fort Worth

Video Tour - 4333 Silverwood Trail, Fort Worth





Come see this impeccably well maintained four bedroom, two bathroom home located in desired Betty Perot Elementary area of Heritage Glen. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac this open concept floorplan is perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the abundance of natural light, split bedroom floorplan, updated fixtures, large eat-in kitchen & walk in pantry. Don't miss the private backyard complete with custom playscape or walk a few steps to the neighborhood pond & feed ducks.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to view this lovely home, contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams (817) 337-0000 or email info@groveteam.com

JUST LISTED - 402 Turner, Grapevine

Just Listed - 402 Turner, Grapevine

Situated just outside Grapevine’s Historic District, this single story home is only a short walk to Main Street. The timeless, wooded lot melds old and new, history and rebirth into a one of a kind neighborhood.  This custom Cooper-Smith home features four bedrooms, one of which may be used as a private study, three full baths and inspires the love of entertaining by emphasizing the open floorplan centered around the hearth of the home.  Meticulous attention to detail is found throughout the home with crown molding, 6” baseboards, encased arched doorways and built-ins in both the living room and master.  The large gourmet kitchen offers Corian counters, ample cabinets and storage, a walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances.  The design, fine appointments, extraordinary location and backyard setting will leave you awestruck. 

For more information contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

www.groveteam.com  

Home Prices are on the Rise

Home Prices are on the Rise

Encouraging news has been provided by the National Assoiation of Realtors recently.  Home pricing is expected to rise in every state this year.  Click here if you would you like to know more?

Are you considering buying or selling a home in 2013?  The Grove Team, Keller Williams is available to work with you to make the best decsion possible.  Contact us today to learn what makes our team different.

Office (817) 337-0000
Email info@groveteam.com
Web www.groveteam.com 

Why the Grove Team, Keller Williams?

Why the Grove Team, Keller Williams?

Founded in 1995, the Grove Team offers the experience to assist you in every aspect of home ownership. Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, the Grove Team is committed to a real estate practice that centers on our clients.

The success of this philosophy shows in our 100+ sales each year.  The Grove Team consistently ranks in the top 1% of all licensed Realtors in the country.

THE GROVE TEAM

Our production team, consisting of Diane Grove, Lynn McClish, Diane Jones, Cathy Jo Hobbs, Dottie Pahlmann, and Ruth Potts dedicates its inexhaustible energy to providing maximum exposure and marketing for homes listed by us. On the buying side, we focus our efforts on locating the right home or investment property for our clients who have entrusted us with their real estate dreams.

With knowledge that spans from the existing home market to builders and new construction, our proven professionals represent each individual client's interests.

Angie and Angela oversee the process from beginning to end by establishing communication with our clients, cooperating agents, lenders, title companies, and all parties involved. As the transaction moves forward, they coordinate appointments and the paperwork required. By anticipating obstacles before they occur, they ensure that the process for both buyers and sellers goes as smoothly as possible and stays on schedule.

Contact us today to work with every step of way in your real estate journey, (817) 337-0000 or email, info@groveteam.com

Preparing your credit profile for the spring real estate season

Preparing your credit profile for the spring real estate season

When you are out shoveling snow and scraping ice off the car's windshield, winter can seem like an eternity. Yet when it comes to your credit profile, house-hunting and the spring real estate season is just around the corner.

"Warm weather will bring an increase in homes on the market and buyers shopping, so it pays to take steps to make sure your credit profile is in the best shape possible if you'll be looking for a house come spring," says Barrett Burns, president and CEO of credit score model developer VantageScore Solutions. "Real estate experts are already predicting that this spring will be an important season for the industry, with mortgage rates still low and prices creeping back up. In addition to other criteria such as down payments and income, a good credit score can make a big difference when it comes to getting a mortgage at favorable rates."

VantageScore Solutions recommends home buyers start now to prep their credit profiles before the spring real estate season arrives in March and April. Here are some tips and tidbits to keep in mind as you're working toward qualifying for a mortgage loan:

* It is essential to know what's on your credit report before it will be viewed by potential lenders. Make sure your credit report is up-to-date and accurately reflects your credit behavior. You can obtain your report at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official site where you can obtain your report every 12 months for free from each of the three major credit reporting companies (CRCs), which are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. And you can access your credit score through all three CRCs from the same website for a small fee.

* Creditors are interested in seeing how you manage credit, and the consistency of behavior counts. In addition to paying your bills on time every month, avoid applying for any new credit between now and the time you will apply for a mortgage. Almost every credit score "inquiry" from a lender is recorded with one or more of the three national CRCs. This can result in a decrease to your VantageScore credit score by 10 to 20 points.

* Keep in mind that some lenders will pull a credit score at the time you apply for the loan, then again just before the loan closes. You want to avoid credit score reductions during that time frame, which can occur if you take on unnecessary credit. Also be sure all payments on existing debt are made on time during this timeframe.

* Shop around for mortgage options before you actually apply. Understand lenders' qualifying criteria so you know where you may need to improve. Once you've done your research, go ahead and apply to multiple lenders all at once. Multiple applications at the same time will register on your credit report as a single inquiry - as long as they're all within 14 days of each other - and will have minimal impact on your score.

* Different lenders use different scoring models and different models can have different score ranges. For example, the VantageScore model's range is 501 to 990. You may or may not be able to find out from your potential lender which model they use. What's important is where you fall in the model's score range, which tells you how your score compares to others.

Finally, Burns says, don't worry too much over small fluctuations in your score. "It's possible for your score to be 772 on Thursday and 765 on Friday," he says. "It may be back up to 770 the next week. The changes are likely due to updates to your credit files and expiring data. Remember that consistent, responsible behavior is more important than small ups and downs in your credit score."- -

For more information and tips on how to get your credit ready for spring real estate season, contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams to get the real estate buying process started.  Call us at (817) 337-0000 or email, info@groveteam.com.  (BPT)

A new listing from the Grove Team, Keller Williams

A new listing from the Grove Team, Keller Williams

1511 Cat Mountain Trail, Keller

Offered for sale, $240,000

Gorgeous renovation by TK Homes, LLC - completely updated interior & exterior paint, new laminate wood floors, new carpet. Stunning updates to the kitchen & baths that include new fixtures, granite and appliances. Four bedrooms and study offer a functional floorplan in the prime location of Keller. 

Four bedrooms, two and a half baths - Keller ISD and located in the Highland Oaks Addition. 

Call the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000 or email at info@groveteam.com for more information or to schedule a showing today. 

Use the winter months to update and beautify your bathroom

Use the winter months to update and beautify your bathroom


Remodeling and refreshing the home is a great way to keep cabin fever at bay during long winter months. Designing a bathroom remodel to incorporate innovative style, comfort and efficiency helps to speed the winter months along, and your family will certainly enjoy the rest of the season with a beautiful new bathroom.

Attention is often centered in the bathroom because it is a room frequently used by residents and guests. Even minor aesthetic changes can have a major impact in the room's atmosphere. A bathroom remodel can be as simple as updating hardware on cabinets to a full redo of all fixtures. Consider the following ideas to incorporate new and innovative design, technology and eco-friendly products into your bath this winter season.

* A fresh, new look - The lavatory is seen and used by everyone who enters the bathroom.

* Elegant and luxurious flooring - Beautiful new flooring brings elegance to the look of the room without being the center of attention. Wood, tile or even laminate tile floors can tie together the entire room in a subtle way. Soft and luxurious rugs in front of the lavatory and tub also add an element of texture.

* Deluxe accommodations - Technology innovations allow you to bring a spa-like experience right into your own bathroom.

* Showering environment - A shower is much more than just a place to wash the body and hair. It's a chance to energize yourself, to relax after a long day of work and to brainstorm with uninterrupted creativity. Pick the perfect showerhead that delivers the water pressure and style that cater to your personality, so you can use your shower as an environment to rejuvenate yourself and put energy back into your step.

* Upgrading your fixtures - Bringing a new toilet into your bathroom can not only help you improve your water usage, but also add style as well.

Remodeling a bathroom to incorporate new eco-friendly technology and beautiful ambiance and style can do so much for your home. You'll never notice the long winter months as you enjoy your own spa-like setting, and your utility bill will also be more affordable with the addition of high efficiency technology to bring your bathroom up to date. (BPT)